How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I think I researched it on the internet. I was really excited and was sure that I wanted it.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I had Kaiser insurance at the time and it took about a year to get approved. Advice...document every diet you have ever been on, how much you lost (and how much you regained). Keep track of all co-morbids too.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

I had Dr. Leo Murphy (no longer listed on your website). We hit it off right away as my last name is Murphy too! He was awesome.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was never a doubt in my mind. I had Kaiser doctor's tell me I would never be approved but I had a great deal of faith and lot's of prayer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was never up to me.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

Honestly I knew that GOD was with me and never had any fears. I was up walking (without aid) a few hours after my surgery and the nurses called me the miracle patient! I felt great and still do.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My mom was against it - I think she feared for my life. Not too many family members voiced their opinion. I really didn't care...I was going to do it come hell or high water.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

They were pretty cool about it as I found out two weeks prior to my surgery date that I was going to get the surgery. I was not out of work as long as doctor's had anticipated. I healed very quickly and never had any problems - tons of energy although when I went back to work, I found I tired at the end of the day.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I was at the hospital for a week and I could not sleep at all. The bed felt like it was made of straw and every time I drifted off, someone was coming in to take my vitals. I was more than anxious to get out of there.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

Not really...I threw up if I ate too much, I had dumping syndrome a couple of times...but all in all...that was a learning experience. To this day I will not eat rice as I would immediately projectile vomit it.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I had a lot of energy and could go about my daily living with very little help.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I may have been an exception. I heard others complain how weak and tired they were all the time. I never experienced that. If anything I was on a "high" all the time.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

From Yucaipa to San Diego. I stayed the night before in a motel with my sister. She couldn't stay so my ex-husband picked me up from the hospital and we stayed one night as I had a follow-up appointement with my doctor in the morning.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I couldn't eat much of anything!!! I ate sugar free ice pops. I tried a few soft foods but nothing tasted good. To date (7 years later) I don't touch pasta or rice. I am content with very small amounts of food. The most difficult thing is getting a well balanced diet as I can only eat a few bites and am full. I tend to eat protein bars or soup with chicken and vegetables.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

About the same as always - I didn't go to a gym or anything for a couple of years.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take a chewable multiple vitamin, sublinguel b-12, b complex, iron, flaxseed & d.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

Once you experience dumping you never want to go through it again. I felt like I was dying!

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The excess skin everywhere. I finally had a tummy tuck 2 years ago but cannot afford all the other surgeries that I would like to have.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

There is nothing available in my area. I would love to have a support group.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

It started at my breast bone to my naval but with the tummy tuck, I don't have such a big scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Off and on for seven years! I gained almost 50 lbs back at one point but have since been able to get it off. I found out I didn't have any vitamin D in my system and since I have been on a high dose, I have been able to take the weight off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

That is really hard to say. Maybe yes, only because I feel better about myself. I think people sense if you don't like yourself and may treat you accordingly.